Riot breaks out at Australian darts tournament (VIDEO)

The championship — which saw Michael van Gerwen comeback from 5-1 and 8-4 deficits before eventually triumphing over Australian Simon Whitlock 9-8 — was stopped for a period of time as officials attempted to restore order to the chaos inside the Etihad Stadium.

Chairs were thrown and tables were overturned as spectators ran amok at the popular tournament which is in its third year.

Witnesses said people were jumping on the tables until they broke and others were body slamming some spectators. Security guards tried and failed to defuse the situation, before dozens of riot police entered the stadium.

Photos show one man dressed as Batman's sidekick Robin wrestling with other people in costumes and some pictures show a gang of Oompa Loompas brawling and throwing furniture.